Philadelphia, December 22, 2025
Saint Joseph’s University is gearing up to face Coastal Carolina in a men’s basketball matchup at Hagan Arena. This marks the first-ever encounter between these teams, drawing significant attention from local sports enthusiasts and highlighting Philadelphia’s vibrant athletic culture. As both teams aim to build momentum, the game is also a reminder of the economic benefits that collegiate athletics bring to the region. Fans are encouraged to attend and support their teams in this thrilling sporting event.
Hawks Host Coastal Carolina to Close Out 2025 Season
Philadelphia Prepares for Influx of College Basketball Enthusiasts as Saint Joseph’s Welcomes Coastal Carolina to Hagan Arena
Philadelphia, PA — The city of brotherly love is set to host an intriguing interconference men’s basketball matchup as Saint Joseph’s University prepares to conclude its 2025 calendar year by welcoming Coastal Carolina University to Hagan Arena on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. This contest marks the first-ever meeting between these two institutions on the basketball court, promising a fresh and competitive encounter for local sports fans and traveling supporters alike. The game is a highlight on the local sports calendar, drawing attention to the vibrant collegiate athletics scene in Philadelphia and the broader economic benefits it brings to the community.
As Coastal Carolina concludes a month-long road swing, the Hawks aim to cap off the year with a strong performance on their home court. Saint Joseph’s continues a three-game homestand, positioning this game as a key opportunity to build momentum.
Philadelphia’s Enduring Sports Economy
The staging of high-profile college basketball games like the upcoming Saint Joseph’s versus Coastal Carolina contest plays a significant role in stimulating Philadelphia’s local economy. Beyond direct ticket sales, such events drive ancillary spending from students, visitors, and alumni at local restaurants, retail stores, and other businesses. Saint Joseph’s University itself contributes substantially to the regional economy, with its annual operations and capital investments supporting the workforce and business activity in the five-county region and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Sporting events are a consistent source of visitors to the campus, adding to the thousands of individuals who contribute to the local economy annually. This influx supports local entrepreneurship and demonstrates how a robust collegiate athletic program can be a reliable engine for economic growth within a community, reinforcing a spirit of local self-reliance and commercial vitality.
University Initiatives Foster Athletic and Personal Development
Saint Joseph’s University is committed to fostering competitive excellence and the holistic development of its student-athletes, an endeavor supported by significant investments and community engagement. The University recently announced its decision to opt-in to the historic House vs. NCAA settlement, enabling name, image, and likeness (NIL) licensing for basketball student-athletes. This forward-thinking approach ensures that Saint Joseph’s men’s and women’s basketball programs remain competitive within the Atlantic 10 and Big 5 conferences, attracting and retaining top talent through private financial support from alumni.
The University’s dedication extends to its facilities, with the Maguire Athletic Center undergoing transformations to provide dedicated basketball training facilities for both men’s and women’s teams. These upgrades, funded entirely through philanthropic support, include an indoor turf training facility, expanded high-performance areas, and spaces for mental and nutritional well-being. Such private initiatives underscore a belief in equipping student-athletes with the best resources to achieve their full potential, both on and off the court.
Intercollegiate athletics are recognized as integral components of a comprehensive educational experience, teaching invaluable life skills such as teamwork, perseverance, time management, and discipline. These qualities are crucial for academic success and future professional endeavors, emphasizing that competition, when properly structured, builds character and prepares individuals for life’s challenges.
The Spirit of Competition and Community Engagement
Philadelphia boasts a rich college basketball tradition, famously known for the “Big 5,” an association of six NCAA Division I basketball programs that compete for the city’s collegiate championship. Saint Joseph’s is a key member of this historic group, which has expanded to include Drexel. The passion for college basketball runs deep in the region, with alumni and fans rallying behind their alma maters, creating a palpable camaraderie that unites the community.
The continued support from passionate fan bases and donors is critical for Saint Joseph’s Athletics to thrive in this new era of college sports. Funding through initiatives like the Basketball Excellence Fund, special events, and corporate sponsorships directly contributes to the annual operating budget and competitive standing of the programs. This collective effort highlights the power of private individuals and organizations investing in shared values and competitive spirit, providing a framework for responsible growth and sustained excellence.
Beyond the game itself, university athletics act as a vehicle for social change, instilling virtues like teamwork, competition, and obedience to authority in the city’s youth. Programs often emphasize education, responsibility, and perseverance, shaping responsible and accountable individuals.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining Athletic Excellence
As Saint Joseph’s concludes its 2025 athletic calendar with this notable contest against Coastal Carolina, the focus remains on leveraging the energy and enthusiasm surrounding collegiate sports to further benefit the university and the wider Philadelphia community. The ongoing commitment to private investment, responsible financial management, and fostering a competitive environment ensures that Saint Joseph’s Athletics continues to be a source of pride and a driver of positive impact. Fans are encouraged to engage with and support these programs, whether by attending games, contributing to athletic funds, or exploring corporate partnership opportunities. This collective engagement is vital for sustaining the unique competitive landscape and community spirit that college athletics bring to Philadelphia PA sports.
Keywords: Saint Joseph’s University PA athletics, Philadelphia PA sports, college basketball in Philadelphia, Hagan Arena, Coastal Carolina men’s basketball.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Men’s Basketball game between Coastal Carolina and Saint Joseph’s?
- The Men’s Basketball game between Coastal Carolina and Saint Joseph’s is scheduled for Monday, December 22, 2025.
- Where will the game be played?
- The game will be played in Philadelphia, Pa., at Hagan Arena.
- What time does the game start?
- Tipoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
- Is this the first time these two teams are meeting?
- Yes, this will be the first-ever meeting between Saint Joseph’s and Coastal Carolina in men’s basketball.
- What is the significance of this game for Coastal Carolina?
- Coastal Carolina will close out its month-long road swing and the 2025 calendar year with this game.
- What is the capacity of Hagan Arena?
- Hagan Arena has a capacity of 3,800 seats.
Men’s Basketball Game Highlights: Coastal Carolina vs. Saint Joseph’s
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Matchup | Coastal Carolina vs. Saint Joseph’s |
| Date | Monday, December 22, 2025 |
| Time | 7:00 p.m. |
| Location | Hagan Arena, Philadelphia, Pa. |
| Historical Context | First-ever meeting between the two teams. |
| Coastal Carolina Status | Closing out month-long road swing and 2025 calendar year. |
| Saint Joseph’s Status | Continuing a three-game homestand. |
| Hagan Arena Capacity | 3,800 |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
The PHILADELPHIA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhiladelphia.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mummers Parade, Philadelphia Flower Show, and Thanksgiving Day Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and United Way of Greater Philadelphia, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, food services, and healthcare that power the local economy such as Comcast, Aramark, and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape.
